Sri Lanka in 7 Days

Are you thinking of staying around a week or so on the island? Read on to discover some of the best destinations to include in your Sri Lanka travel plan.

Stopover at the Commercial Capital

Before you set out to explore the island, swing by its commercial capital for a day or two. There’s an understated hedonistic vibe to this laid-back city, which will have you relaxing in no time. Check out the variety of shops and attractions as well as the thriving local foodie scene.

#YohoTip If you are looking for some great shopping streets of the city’s trading capital Pettah, here is a little something to help you get started.

Have a pint of beer and do some shopping at the Old Dutch Hospital shopping and entertainment precinct. Take in the colonial-style architecture and stuff your face at famed restaurants such as the Ministry of Crab. For classy cocktails and mouth-watering international cuisine, visit the Park Street Mews dining precinct in Hyde Park Corner. After sundown, the street comes alive with enchanting lighting which is strung under the open sky.

Visit places like the Galle Face Green promenade by the oceanfront to try your hand at flying kites during the day. After sundown, you can indulge in delicious street food by the sea. For a dose of local culture, venture into the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple near Beira Lake.

Wondering where to stay? Colombo has a mix of low-range, mid-range and upscale accommodation you can choose from. Whatever your budget, location is key, as traffic can get a little tedious at times. Check out hotels in Colombo 3 and nearby areas. It’s a fairly central zone and within close proximity to the attractions mentioned above.

Hit the Beaches

If you want to enjoy a variety of beaches, the south-west coast is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Check out beach towns like Bentota, Mirissa, Unawatuna and Galle. They feature idyllic beaches and a real island vibe. Engage in water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Visit turtle hatcheries to see baby turtles up close and go whale watching to spot blue whales and bottle-nose dolphins.

Whale watching is best done in towns like Mirissa between November and April. It’s good to set aside a few days for this activity even though the excursion only takes half a day. This is because you might not be lucky enough to spot any whales on your first try. However, you can head out again for free the next day to try again. If you’re looking for places to stay in Mirissa, check out our many Yoho Bed properties in the area.

Visit the Hill Country

Cool off with a few days in the picturesque hill country of the Central Province. Stay at the hillside towns of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya to experience Sri Lanka’s Little England. The temperatures here rarely rise above 15 degrees Celsius and are a blessing reprieve from the heat of the tropics. Stroll among lush tea plantations and blooming botanical gardens like Victoria Park. Plan a day trip to the Horton Plains National Park and take in the jaw-dropping view from the World’s End precipice.

Explore the Cultural Triangle

Spend two or three days discovering the secrets of Sri Lanka’s past. Explore the historic Sri Lankan capital cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy in the Cultural Triangle. The Triangle contains UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Sigiriya rock fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple. When exploring the region, make sure to stay hydrated and use lots of sunblock. The weather here is not as forgiving as in the hill country.